InterNIC sanctions hate-based domain names

FYI 
 A Hateful Domain Nets the Web
The Web site "godhatesfags.com" was back in operation for a week. In last
week's GLAADAlert, GLAAD reported that the domain name was registered at
InterNIC, a registration clearinghouse for new domain names on the
Internet. The hateful domain, owned by Benjamin Phelps, the grandson of
the virulently anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church leader Fred Phelps,
encourages violence against the gay and lesbian community. While the
domain's original home on the Web was removed by the Internet service
provider that housed it, the domain found a new home. This time, a Web
page was built through NetGate Communications, a Santa Clara based
Internet service provider. Because of its offensive content, NetGate
removed the site on February 4. 
he domain is appalling and an affront to all lesbians and gay men, as
well as people of faith whose idea of God is demeaned by its message.
While GLAAD recognizes it is Phelps' First Amendment right to speak out,
InterNIC has chosen to help amplify his hate.  InterNIC, which has set
arbitrary standards for whether to accept domain names (for instance, it
will not accept a domain name containing the so-called "seven dirty
words") recently denied an application for the domain name "nigger.com."
 GLAAD would like clarification from InterNIC on why this is different
from a domain name that contains an epithet based on sexual orientation.
As long as the name exists in InterNIC's registry, Phelps' site can
continue to pop up on Internet service providers.
Please write InterNIC and explain how epithets of any kind, including
those based on sexual orientation, hurt all Internet users equally.
Thank NetGate Communications for making the just and wise choice of
removing the site.
Contact: Network Solutions, Attn.: InterNIC Registration Services, 505
Huntmar Park Drive, Herndon, VA 20170, fax: 703.742.9552, e-mail:
complaints@internic.net; NetGate Communication, Santa Clara, CA 95054,
fax: 408.565.9616, e-mail: sales@netgate.net.

>From  GLAAD - Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation  
(glaad@glaad.org)

Received on Monday, 24 February 1997 18:47:21 UTC